Life
Caribbean moves to protect rights of HIV-Positive Workers
Thirty years into the HIV and AIDS epidemic, Caribbean countries are slowly putting necessary legislation in place to ensure the rights of workers despite their HIV/AIDS and chronic disease status.
In June, Cabinet approved the St. Kitts and Nevis Workplace Policy on HIV and AIDS and Other Chronic Diseases, while neighbouring Anguilla is fine-tuning a policy on HIV/AIDS and other life-threatening illnesses in the workplace.
“Cabinet also approved the establishment of a cross-sectoral committee to be charged with the implementation of the St. Kitts and Nevis Workplace Policy on HIV and AIDS and Other Chronic Diseases,” said Minister of Information Nigel Carty.
He explained that the policy deals explicitly with recognising HIV/AIDS and other chronic diseases as a workplace issue; reducing stigma and discrimination taking into account the gender dimension; protection against victimisation; ensuring a healthy workplace with reasonable accommodation for workers; non-screening for employment purposes; confidentiality and prevention, counseling and support.